Teja Parbhoo, our Women’s and Men’s Health Physiotherapist is now qualified in delivering the Mummy MOT.
What is the Mummy MOT?
The Mummy MOT is a postnatal detailed physiotherapy assessment of the abdominal and pelvic area.
It will check your:
- Tummy gap – Also known as Rectus Abdominis
This is when your abdominal muscles naturally relax and separate throughout pregnancy to allow your baby and in turn your tummy to grow. This is perfectly normal, but what is important is checking these muscles return back into place in the weeks after giving birth– a third of all mums have a tummy gap, 8 weeks after birth and we generally check to make sure the gap isn’t bigger than 2 fingers.
If your tummy gap doesn’t correct itself you’re at greater risk of developing problems such as back pain, prolapse and urinary incontinence; it can sometimes affect breathing, bowel movements and cause other abdominal problems. So, it’s best to get the problem picked up and sorted as early as possible.
The pelvic floor is a complex group of muscle that forms a bowl shape in the base of the pelvis. These muscles are fundamental in supporting the bladder, bowel and womb. If the pelvic floor muscles are not working properly this can result in a number of symptoms, for example leaking, urgency and vaginal prolapse. The pelvic floor undergoes significant change during pregnancy and delivery and can cause dysfunction in up to 1 in 3 women.
You will receive a report of the findings and an appropriate safe exercise programme will be prescribed.
The Mummy MOT identifies muscle imbalances through the assessment and the restorative exercise programme corrects them, regaining stability and allowing optimal function.
Maria Elliott explains more
here
FAQS
How long will it last?
1-hour post-natal assessment with a Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist
When Should I have one?
Ideally at 6 weeks after delivery and beyond
